On Episode 2, Mark Miller chats with kids book illustrator Michael Vallado about a bevy of his projects—most enticingly, the epic retelling of Santa’s origin story.

But before we get to Santa taking on a monstrous mythical beast, we discuss:

• What it was like illustrating a series of “The Bad Guys” chapter books for Scholastic and DreamWorks.

• Michael's experience turning a true story into artwork for an early-reader audience.

• The journey of becoming a better storyteller and freelancer.

• The lost art of creating re-enchanted tales—and more.

Leave a comment or question below, and join in the conversation!

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GUEST BIO:

Michael Vallado is an illustrator and character designer located in Southern California. He loves creating characters and worlds that are vibrant and full of adventure. When Michael isn't drawing, you can find him reading Tolkien, going for walks, or hanging out with his cat.

• Substack: https://substack.com/@michaelvallado

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/michael_learns_art/

• Website, Books & Merch: https://www.michaellearnsart.com/shop-fzlp5

• “The Bad Guys” Books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3VXSHZT?binding=paperback&ref_

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Thanks for joining this episode of Bookmarked Conversations!

– Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0347IAUwroFtXeugYNzKGd?si=c12f75361d734eff

– Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bookmarked-conversations/id6801888129

– Discover more books: https://www.bookmarkedpages.com

On our pilot episode, Mark Miller talks with Madeleine Kleppinger about her book "My Brother’s Mark"—a historical fiction novel that explores one woman's journey defecting from Czechoslovakia in the late 60s.

• Madeleine shares the true story (actually, many of them) that sparked the process of writing the book.

• She also offers personal reflections on what it's like to embed factual truth into a work of fiction and how collaboration strengthens a book.

• We mention Czech pastries that you don't want to miss, as well as an unexpected opportunity through the Smithsonian...

Leave a comment or question below, and join in the conversation!

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GET THE BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1964399068/

SYNOPSIS: In the summer of 1969, while most teenagers are trying on flare-fit bell-bottoms and scanning the radio for rock ‘n’ roll, Pavla Horakova is preparing to flee her country. Everything she knew as home is upended during the occupation that is extinguishing the hope of the Prague Spring. And when the waves of Soviet soldiers continue to crash upon the eastern border of Czechoslovakia, Pavla makes the decision to run. But she isn’t alone. "My Brother’s Mark" is one woman’s journey to escape the crushing pain from a selfish act of brutality and live out a selfless sacrifice for loyalty. It’s only when she is asked to return home that commitment to those she loves is fully put to the test.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Madeleine Kleppinger is a scientist by night, writer by day. Her passion is to help readers discover their greatest story through her own storytelling. Her previously published works include the short stories "Chimes" and "The Night Gardener." She currently resides on the Iowa side of the Quad Cities with her husband, Johnathon, and American bulldog, Sonnet. You can connect with Madeleine at https://www.mkleppinger.com and through her socials @makleppinger.

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Thanks for joining this episode of Bookmarked Conversations!

Discover more books at https://www.bookmarkedpages.com